Mind's Walk of Hope sees record numbers involved
A RECORD number of people woke up before dawn had broken on Sunday to walk around the east coast.
The Gower Walk of Hope, hosted by Guernsey Mind, began from Vale Castle at 4am, and hundreds walked the east coast, finishing at the Bathing Pools.
This year, 609 people took part.
‘It’s the best outcome yet and I’m so happy with it,’ said Maddy Diligent of Guernsey Mind.
‘It wasn’t the greatest of sunrises but it was very calm. It was high tide so the water was lapping at the wall as everyone walked and we did catch a glimpse of the sun at the Bathing Pools.’
The aim of the walk is to open up conversations about suicide, remembering those who died by suicide, and building connections between people.
Ms Diligent said that some people were having these conversations as they walked.
‘I heard people saying that they’d had some really nice conversations and generally connecting with others,’ she said.
‘It was a lovely atmosphere, bringing the community together in an environment where people know there are others there if they need it.’
The hushed walkers gathered in Vale Castle for the 4am start and began the 4km walk along the east coast as the dark clouds changed to an inky blue.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink was one of the people taking part.
‘I think it’s important to raise awareness for suicide,’ she said.
‘Many families have been touched by suicide, mine included, so the awareness to talk to each other is so important. I would just encourage people to talk. I think if we can talk to people about how to prevent suicide, that’s incredibly important.’
Lara Turner, joined by her mother Joy Jameson, was walking to remember her father.
Ms Turner was grateful for the turnout and spoke movingly about how suicide has impacted her life.
‘We’re walking in memory of my dad Barry, who sadly took his own life last year,’ said Ms Turner.
‘We’re with Talking Benches, a suicide friendship support group dedicated to raising awareness for suicide.
‘Talking benches is a really important organisation that works with those who have lost a friend or family member. The support network is really important as everyone involved is going through similar things. [Suicide] is a really hard thing to talk about but the group provides a really important support network.’
Maria Gregory-Haines and Claudia Crispini were walking with their buddy group from Guernsey Swim All Seasons, which supports good mental health and wellbeing through outdoor swimming.
Ms Gregory-Haines said it was a great event.
‘It’s about the community coming together for a good cause.'
As walkers arrived at La Vallette, members of the Guernsey Guides were on hand to provide the walkers with hot drinks and pastries. Many of the walkers went for a dip in the bathing pools.
Also helping out was Helen Bonner-Morgan from Vive La Vallette, the not-for-profit organisation established in 2019 to reinvigorate the bathing pool facilities.
‘It’s an amazing turnout and a privilege to work with Guernsey Mind. It’s great to see the community use this regenerated facility with such purpose.’
